Ladysmith, WI
Population 3,152 · Wisconsin
About Ladysmith, WI
Ladysmith is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 3,152 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,104 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ladysmith features a median home value of $88,800, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ladysmith one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $819, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,698 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (788 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (797 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ladysmith shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ladysmith have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.5% of Ladysmith residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ladysmith Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Ladysmith, WI
Compared to national averages, Ladysmith has a median household income of $40,104 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,800, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $819 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Ladysmith's income is 45% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 57% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Ladysmith, WI?
Ladysmith offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $819/month, and short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,104) that falls below the national average. However, Ladysmith’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ladysmith has a population of 3,152 with a median age of 48.4 years. Compare Ladysmith with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Ladysmith
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hortonville | 3,180 | $90,446 | $231,700 | Compare |
| New Holstein | 3,104 | $61,086 | $165,900 | Compare |
| Lake Wissota | 3,103 | $101,445 | $318,300 | Compare |
| Brodhead | 3,205 | $49,531 | $167,600 | Compare |
| Lodi | 3,206 | $109,821 | $286,500 | Compare |
| Algoma | 3,219 | $62,269 | $143,000 | Compare |
| Somerset | 3,084 | $76,176 | $271,200 | Compare |
| Oostburg | 3,077 | $87,276 | $230,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ladysmith With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ladysmith
What is the population of Ladysmith, WI?
The population of Ladysmith, WI is 3,152 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Ladysmith?
The median household income in Ladysmith, WI is $40,104 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ladysmith?
The median home value in Ladysmith, WI is $88,800, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ladysmith?
The median monthly rent in Ladysmith, WI is $819, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ladysmith?
The unemployment rate in Ladysmith, WI is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ladysmith, WI a good place to live?
Ladysmith offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,152 and a median age of 48.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ladysmith, WI?
18.5% of residents in Ladysmith aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ladysmith?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ladysmith, WI: median home value is $88,800 (64% below national), median rent is $819/month, and median household income is $40,104. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ladysmith?
The poverty rate in Ladysmith, WI is 18.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ladysmith, WI?
Ladysmith's population is 0.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.